**** HRM Media Release
New roundabout to open in the Cogswell District
As construction continues in the Cogswell District, crews have been building a roundabout at Barrington and Nora Bernard streets. The following work plan will support the phased opening of the roundabout, and additional roads, over the coming weeks.
Phase 1
In order to integrate the new roundabout with Barrington Street, the first step in this work plan will include a lane reduction in each direction on Barrington Street, approaching Nora Bernard Street, from Oct. 20 to Oct. 28, beginning at 8 a.m.
Following the work to tie in Barrington Street with the roundabout, ending Oct. 28, vehicle traffic will be directed through the roundabout. Drivers will enter and exit the roundabout via Barrington Street. At that time, there will be three lanes, with two lanes alternating during peak traffic times. Traffic personnel will be directing movement through this area so it is important for drivers to follow all signage and travel at a safe speed.
From Oct. 28 to early November, Nora Bernard Street will be open to local traffic only. Nora Bernard Street may be accessed from Brunswick Street during that time.
Effective Oct. 28, access to businesses on Barrington Street, south of Nora Bernard Street, will be open to local traffic only to allow for reconstruction in this area over the coming months.
In early November, all four lanes in the roundabout will open.
The roundabout will enhance traffic calming, improve safety and better accommodate all road users in the area.
Roundabout safety reminders:
- Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout
- Signal your exit to let other drivers know where you’re going
- Look for those in crosswalks
Phase 2
In Phase 2, from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30, there will be one lane in each direction from the Wastewater Treatment Plant south of the roundabout to the Upper Water Street and Barrington Street intersection.
Effective Oct. 31, there will be three lanes in this area alternating during peak traffic times until early December.
Phase 3
In Phase 3, beginning Nov. 20, three lanes will open on Barrington Street between Cogswell and Duke streets. At that time, the temporary detour road on Cogswell Street, from Albemarle to Barrington streets, will close. Cogswell Street from Albemarle to Brunswick streets will remain open.
Halifax Transit routes 5 and 84 will be moved to a temporary stop in front of Scotia Square.
Access to Hotel Halifax will be via Barrington Street.
Re-opening of Barrington Street
The roundabout will fully open mid-December with a dedicated transit lane, marking a major milestone in the project.
In mid-December, Barrington Street, from Nora Bernard Street to Duke Street, will be fully open and one lane in each direction will be a dedicated transit lane.
The Halifax Transit Hub at Scotia Square will re-open mid-December.
Cogswell Street from Brunswick Street to Upper Water Street will also re-open mid-December.
Access to Valour Way is also expected to re-open mid-December.
The multi-use path will remain open during all phases of construction; however, there may be some temporary re-routing. Please follow all signage.
We appreciate residents’ patience as we continue to make significant progress with the Cogswell District project. More information on traffic impacts will be shared over the coming weeks. Substantial completion of the project is expected by December 2025.
For more information about the Cogswell District project, visit: halifax.ca/cogswell.
